In a distant valley lived an old woman. Her house was surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Every morning, she would lean on her cane and slowly walk deep into the forest.Despite her advanced age, she worked diligently to prepare food for her flock of geese, gathering wild fruits, and carrying the heavy load back home. Whenever she encountered passersby, she would greet them warmly: “Hello, dear neighbor, the weather is truly lovely today.” However, the villagers feared her, spreading rumors that she was a cunning witch.
One morning, a handsome young man was strolling through the forest. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow on his skin, and birds sang joyfully around him. Just then, he spotted the old woman kneeling on the ground, cutting grass, with two baskets filled with fruits beside her. The young man couldn’t resist approaching her and asking, “Hello, old lady, how can you carry so much by yourself?”The old woman smiled and replied, “Young masters from wealthy families don’t have to do such work. But there’s an old saying: ‘Don’t look around, your back is as bent as a bow.’” The young man felt sympathy for the old woman’s hard work and offered to help her carry the heavy loads home. Though he hesitated a bit, he agreed to help to show off his strength.
So the old woman placed the bundle of grass on his back and hung the two baskets on his wrists. The young man immediately felt the weight on his shoulders, as if they were filled with stones. He tried to adjust his posture, but the harder he tried, the heavier the burden seemed to become.The old woman stood by and mocked him, “You young man can’t even carry what an old woman like me carries all the time.” The young man gritted his teeth in frustration and began to walk forward with great difficulty. He knew that this was not only a test of physical strength, but also a test of his spirit. 😊
The test of carrying a heavy load
The young man hoisted the bundle of grass and the two baskets filled with fruits onto his back, feeling a sharp pain in his shoulders that nearly crushed him. He furrowed his brows, took a deep breath, and forced himself to straighten his back, moving forward step by step. The old woman walked ahead, her steps steady, muttering, “See? It’s not that hard, is it?” But the young man knew better.The bundle of grass felt as heavy as lead, and the apples and pears pressed down on him so hard that he could hardly breathe. He wanted to put down the load and rest for a moment, but the old woman wouldn’t give him a chance.
“You’re good at talking, but when it comes to doing, you want to run away,” the old woman said coldly, her voice tinged with sarcasm.The young man’s face was filled with displeasure, but he had no choice but to grit his teeth and keep going. On flat ground, he could manage somehow, but when they reached the slope and had to climb up, the situation became increasingly difficult. The rocks under his feet were loose, and the slightest misstep could send him sliding down. The weight on his body made his legs feel as heavy as if they were filled with mercury.Sweat dripped down his forehead, soaking his clothes, and the cold wind made him feel a chill.
“Old woman, I can’t go on. I need to rest,” the young man finally couldn’t help but ask. But the old woman wouldn’t let him stop. “No! You can rest when we get there. Right now, you have to keep going.”Her words were final, and the young man could only grit his teeth and endure. He tried to adjust the bundle on his back to a more comfortable position, but no matter how he shifted it, the heavy load continued to press down on him, making it difficult to breathe. He even tried to throw away the bundle of grass, but strangely, it seemed to be stuck to his back, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake it off.
“Old woman, you’re being unreasonable!” the young man muttered under his breath, but she only laughed heartily. “Don’t get angry, dear sir. Your face is as red as a turkey,” the old woman teased, gently tapping his legs with a branch to urge him on. The young man had no choice but to drag his weary body forward.As the mountain road became steeper and steeper, his heartbeat quickened and his breathing became rapid. Every step was like a struggle against fate. He didn’t understand why he had to endure such torment. Was it just because of a moment of sympathy?
The hardships and changes of the journey
As the journey continued, the young man’s state of mind was quietly changing.At first, his sympathy for the old woman had driven him to take on this heavy burden, but as time passed, this sympathy was gradually replaced by the pressures of reality. Every step he took reminded him that life was not as easy as it appeared on the surface. He began to realize that true growth did not come from comfort, but from perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.
Just as he was about to give up, the old woman suddenly jumped onto the bundle of grass and sat down. Though she was frail and thin, she felt heavier than the plump village girls. The young man felt a suffocating pressure, his legs trembling so much he could barely stand. But the old woman paid no heed, instead using branches and straw to beat his legs, urging him to keep going.The young man felt a surge of anger, but he was helpless and could only grit his teeth and endure the pain.
Finally, after a long climb, they reached the old woman’s house. The young man was so exhausted that he almost collapsed on the ground, but the scene around him gave him a sense of relief—a flock of geese were running happily on the grass, making quacking sounds.At that moment, a tall, ugly woman emerged, holding a branch in her hand, looking particularly imposing. She looked at the young man with a hint of curiosity in her eyes, then turned to the old woman and asked her why she had returned so late.
The old woman smiled and replied, “I didn’t encounter any trouble. On the contrary, this kind gentleman helped me carry my things back.” Her words betrayed a hint of pride, as if this were her greatest achievement. The young man listened, feeling both moved and confused. Was this the reward for all his efforts? He couldn’t help but ponder how the seemingly simple things in life often hid complex truths.
At that moment, the old woman approached the young man, took the bundle of grass off his back, and took the basket from his hands. She smiled kindly and said, “Now sit down on the bench by the door and rest. I won’t shortchange you on the reward you deserve.” These words warmed his heart like the sun, bringing him a sense of comfort.
Then the old woman turned to the woman and said, “My daughter, go inside. You shouldn’t be alone with a young gentleman. We shouldn’t fan the flames; otherwise, he might fall in love with you.” The young man heard this and couldn’t help but smile wryly to himself, thinking, “Such a character—even if she were thirty years younger, she couldn’t possibly capture my heart.”
Finally, the old woman gently stroked her geese as if they were children, then entered the house with her daughter. The young man sat down on the bench in front of the door, gazing at the beautiful scenery around him, his mind filled with thoughts. In that moment, he realized that every experience in life, no matter how difficult, is part of growing up. 🌱
The tranquility and fatigue of the mountains
The teenager leaned against a long bench under a wild apple tree and took a deep breath. The mountain air was fresh and pleasant, with a faint scent of flowers and earth. In the distance was a green meadow dotted with golden primroses, pale purple wild musk, and other colorful flowers.A clear stream flowed gently by, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. A flock of white geese played in the water, some swimming leisurely, others flapping their wings and splashing water, their joyful calls echoing through the air.
The beautiful scenery before him eased the young man’s mind slightly, but his weary body still felt heavy. He closed his eyes, feeling the breeze brush against his cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness. However, the long, arduous journey had drained him of all his energy, and his eyelids grew heavy, his consciousness beginning to fade.
“This place is truly beautiful,” he murmured, his voice so soft it was barely audible. “But I’m so tired I can’t even lift my eyelids. I need to rest for a while.” He rolled over to get more comfortable and drifted off into a dreamlike state.
Just as he had fallen asleep, the old woman approached quietly, gently shaking his shoulder to wake him. The young man opened his eyes to see the old woman standing before him, her face adorned with a gentle smile.
“Get up, you can’t stay here,” the old woman said. “Yes, I’ve worn you out, but you’re still alive and well, aren’t you? I’ll give you what you deserve now.” She paused, then added, “You don’t need gold or silver or treasures. I’ll give you something else instead.”
With that, she took a small, exquisite box from her bosom. The box was carved from a single piece of green gemstone and emitted a soft glow. She carefully handed the box to the young man, her eyes filled with expectation.
“Keep it safe. It will bring you happiness.” With that, she turned and left.
The young man held the emerald box in his hand, his heart filled with confusion. He stood up, stretched his aching limbs, and then walked down the mountain. Behind him, he heard the cheerful cries of a flock of geese, as if they were bidding him farewell. He glanced back at the old woman’s house, feeling that this encounter was not as simple as it seemed.
An unexpected discovery in the royal palace
The young count wandered in the wilderness for three days before finally finding his way out. Exhausted, he arrived at an unfamiliar town. The locals, seeing him in ragged clothes and looking weary, gathered around to ask about his origins. When he mentioned that he had come from the deep mountains, they were even more surprised.Someone recognized his noble status and immediately took him to the palace, hoping that the king could confirm his identity.
Upon arriving at the palace, the young count saw the king and queen sitting solemnly on their high thrones. He knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully to them, then took the small box carved from emeralds from his pocket and presented it to the queen with both hands.However, the moment the queen took the box, her face suddenly turned pale, and she fell backward, fainting in her seat.
This scene plunged the entire palace into chaos. The guards rushed forward to support the queen, while others quickly summoned the royal physician. The king was also startled by the sudden turn of events. He stared at the young count with wide eyes and shouted, “Seize him! Lock him in the dungeon!” Several guards immediately moved forward to arrest the young count.
However, at that moment, the queen slowly opened her eyes. She weakly raised her hand, motioning for the guards to stand back, then said in a trembling voice, “Let him go… He is innocent.” Her eyes fell on the little count, filled with sadness and excitement.
The king hurriedly leaned over and asked with concern, “My dear, what’s wrong? Why did you faint when you saw this box?”
The queen took a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes. She slowly began to tell a secret that had been buried for many years…
The Lost Princess
The queen’s tears fell silently, her voice trembling slightly, but she still spoke clearly about the heartbreaking story.
“Though I have enjoyed endless wealth and luxury, what good is that?” she whispered, her eyes filled with deep sorrow. “My life has been filled with sorrow and pain.I had three daughters, and the youngest was the most beautiful. Everyone said she was as beautiful as a fairy: her skin was as white as snow, her face as delicate as a flower, and her golden hair shone like the sun. When she cried, the tears that fell from her eyes were like sparkling pearls and jewels.”
The queen paused, as if recalling those days. She continued, “When she was fifteen, the king summoned all three daughters to his presence. You can’t imagine how astonished the ministers were when she walked in, radiant like the rising sun!”
The king wanted to know which daughter loved him most, so he asked them to express their love. The eldest daughter said, “I love my father as much as I love the sweetest dessert.” The second daughter said, “I love my father as much as I love my most beautiful dress.” When it was the youngest daughter’s turn, she paused for a moment and then softly said, “You know, without salt, even the most delicious food is not to my liking. So, I love my father as much as I love salt.”
The king flew into a rage: “Since you love me as much as you love salt, I will repay your love with salt!” He divided his kingdom between the two older daughters and ordered his servants to bind a sack of salt to the youngest daughter and cast her into the barren forest.
The queen choked out, “We all pleaded for her, but the king wouldn’t change his mind. When the youngest daughter had to leave us, she cried so bitterly that her pearl tears covered the entire path.”
“Not long after, the king deeply regretted punishing his youngest daughter so harshly, so he sent men into the forest to search for the poor child. But after searching the entire forest, they found no trace of her.”The queen lifted her head, looking at the green gemstone box in the young count’s hands, her voice trembling with emotion. “Whenever I thought she might have been devoured by wild beasts, I was overcome with grief. Sometimes I comforted myself, thinking she might still be alive, perhaps hiding in some cave or taken in by a kind-hearted person.But when I saw the little emerald box you gave me, and saw the pearl embedded in it, which was exactly the same shape as the pearl tear that fell from my daughter’s eye, how excited I was! You must tell me how you got this pearl.”
The little count looked at the queen’s sad expression and felt a pang of sadness in his heart.He recalled the old woman who lived in the forest and her goose-herding daughter. He spoke slowly, telling the king and queen how he had met them and how he had obtained the emerald box. After hearing his story, the king and queen exchanged glances, their eyes filled with hope. They decided to go to the forest themselves to find the mysterious old woman, hoping to find their long-lost daughter.
The Secret of the Late Night
As night fell, an old woman sat alone by her spinning wheel deep in the forest, skillfully turning the spindle. The sound of weaving echoed through the silent room. The faint light from the burning charcoal in the stove illuminated her hunched figure.Outside the window, the dark night sky is dotted with stars, and the occasional hooting of an owl breaks the stillness of the night.
At that moment, a familiar clucking sound comes from outside the door—it is her flock of geese returning from the meadow. Moments later, her daughter also returns home.The girl walked into the house, nodded to her mother, then sat silently beside her, took the spindle, and began to spin thread skillfully. Neither mother nor daughter spoke, only the creaking sound of the spinning wheel echoed in the room.
Time passed slowly, and two hours went by, but they remained silent.Suddenly, there was a soft tapping on the window, and a pair of shiny eyes peered through the crack. It was an owl circling in the darkness, emitting a low hooting sound. The old woman looked up at the window and said slowly, “It’s time, daughter. Go do your work.”
The girl nodded, stood up, and walked out of the house. She crossed the grass and headed toward the valley. Moonlight bathed the earth, illuminating the path ahead. She arrived at the well beside the three old oak trees, a place quiet and secluded. She looked around to ensure no one was nearby, then slowly removed her face mask and washed her face at the well.The clear water slid over her skin, washing away her disguise and revealing her true appearance. Her gray-white wig fell to the ground, and her golden hair spread across her shoulders like sunshine, covering her entire body. Her eyes were bright like stars, and her cheeks were rosy like blooming flowers.
However, her expression was full of sadness.She sat by the well, tears rolling down her cheeks and into the water, creating ripples. Just then, a rustling sound came from the forest, like the wind rustling through the leaves, or like some creature creeping closer. She suddenly looked up, alertly scanning her surroundings, then quickly put on her wig and face mask, disappearing into the darkness like a fleeting shadow.
A turning point in fate
The young girl returned home, her heart still pounding. She was about to tell her mother what had happened, but the old woman interrupted her with a single sentence: “I already know everything.” The old woman smiled, her tone calm, as if she had already expected all of this. She didn’t say anything else, but picked up a broom and began cleaning the room.
“Everything must be cleaned up,” she said to her daughter as she swept the floor.
The young girl looked at her mother in confusion: “But, Mom, why are you starting so late? What’s wrong?”
The old woman stopped what she was doing, looked up at her daughter, and said softly, “Do you know what time it is?”
The young girl thought for a moment and replied, “It’s not midnight yet, but it’s already past eleven.”
The old woman sighed and said slowly, “Don’t you remember? You came to me on this day three years ago! You’ve been here long enough. You can’t stay here anymore.”
The young woman’s face turned pale upon hearing this, and a flash of shock and anxiety crossed her eyes. “Oh, dear mother, are you trying to drive me away? Where am I supposed to go? I have no friends and no home. Where can I go? I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me, and you’ve been quite satisfied with me. Please don’t drive me away!”
The old woman remained silent for a moment, not answering directly, but continued cleaning the room while saying, “I’m not staying here anymore, but when I move out, I need to clean this place spotless. So don’t interfere with my work. Don’t worry, you’ll find a place to stay. And the compensation I’ll give you will be more than satisfactory.”
The young woman anxiously asked, “But please tell me, what’s going to happen?”
The old woman stopped what she was doing, looked at her, and said firmly, “I’ll say it again. Don’t get in my way.Don’t ask any more questions. Go back to your room, take off the mask, put on the silk dress you wore when you first came here, and stay in your room until I call you.”
Although the young girl was full of questions, she obeyed and returned to her room. She slowly took off the mask, changed into the familiar silk dress, and waited quietly for her unknown fate to unfold.
The Royal Search
The king and queen were deeply moved upon hearing the young count’s story. They decided to go to the forest themselves to find the mysterious old woman in hopes of finding their lost daughter. The three set off on their journey through the dense forest, their hearts filled with hope and anxiety.
However, as night fell, the darkness of the forest enveloped them. The young count accidentally became separated from the king and queen and continued on alone. He groped his way through the darkness, his heart filled with anxiety. The next day, he finally found the path leading to the mountaintop. He climbed the winding mountain path, continuing upward until the sky grew dark, and then chose to spend the night under a large tree.
The moon rose, casting a cool glow over the forest. Through the gaps in the leaves, the young count saw a figure slowly descending from the mountain. His heart skipped a beat. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed the goose girl. She had no whip in her hand, but she looked all the more mysterious.A flash of fear crossed the young count’s mind as he thought to himself, “Have I fallen into the clutches of another witch?”
However, when he saw the goose girl walk to the well, take off her mask, and reveal her long golden hair, he was shocked. Her beauty took his breath away, and it seemed as if time had frozen in that moment. He stared at the beautiful girl, his mind filled with questions and desire.
Just then, the little count accidentally broke a branch, making a loud crack.The goose girl looked up alertly, quickly put on her mask and wig, and disappeared into the darkness as nimbly as a deer. The little count’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly jumped down from the tree and followed her.
Soon after, he saw two figures in the distance. It was the king and queen. They saw the light coming from the old woman’s house from afar and walked toward it.The young count rushed forward and told them what he had seen by the well. The king and queen listened, and hope ignited in their hearts. They were certain that the beautiful girl was their long-lost daughter. With eager anticipation, they made their way toward the small house with the light. 🌙
The Truth Revealed
The king, queen, and little count arrived at the old woman’s cottage and looked through the window. They saw the geese quietly crouching in a circle with their heads buried in their wings, fast asleep. The cottage was brightly lit, and the old woman was sitting by her spinning wheel, concentrating on spinning yarn. Her movements were slow and steady, as if she had known they were coming.
The three gathered their courage and gently knocked on the window. The old woman slowly raised her head, a meaningful smile appearing on her lips. “Come in. I knew you were coming.” Her tone was calm, without a hint of surprise.
They entered the house and looked around, but did not see the mysterious goose girl.The house was spotless, as if no one had ever lived there. The king spoke first, his voice urgent: “Please tell us where our daughter is!”
The old woman put down her spindle, slowly stood up, looked straight at the king, and said reproachfully, “If you hadn’t kicked your kind and lovely child out of your home three years ago, you wouldn’t have had to travel so far today.”She paused for a moment and continued, “It’s not that bad for her here. For the past three years, she has done nothing but herd geese, so her little heart has not been hurt. It is you who have been living in anxiety and have received your just punishment.”
After she finished speaking, she walked to another door, pushed it open gently, and called in a low voice, “Come out, my daughter.”
The door slowly opened, and a young girl dressed in a beautiful long robe stepped out. Her golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, her eyes shone like stars, and her cheeks were rosy, as if she were a fairy descended from heaven. She walked slowly toward her parents, tears welling up in her eyes, her lips trembling slightly.
“Mom and Dad…” she called softly, her voice full of longing and grievance.
The king and queen could hardly believe their eyes. They rushed forward and hugged their daughter tightly, tears streaming down their faces. The family embraced and wept, finally releasing the emotions they had suppressed for so many years.
The little count stood aside, watching this scene with mixed feelings. He never imagined that the heavy burden he had unintentionally taken on would lead to such a long-awaited reunion. And the old woman who had once made his life miserable was now watching silently with a kind smile on her face.
A beautiful destination and a promise for the future
The joy of reunion filled the air as the king and queen embraced their long-lost daughter, tears mingling with endless longing and regret.At that moment, all the sadness and regret seemed to melt away, leaving only endless warmth and love. The king looked at the beautiful princess before him, his heart filled with guilt and regret. He had once driven her out of the house in a fit of anger, and now he finally had the chance to make up for the lost years of family love.
The old woman stood by, a look of satisfaction on her face.She gently stepped forward, breaking the touching silence: “She needs nothing,” she said. “I will return to her the tears she shed for you. Those tears are more precious than pearls plucked from the sea, more valuable than your entire kingdom.” Her words were as warm as spring breeze, conveying selfless care and understanding.
“And,” she continued, “I will leave this little house to her as a reward for tending the geese here.” No sooner had she spoken than a miracle occurred. The old woman’s figure began to fade before their eyes and eventually vanished. At the same time, the walls around them began to creak, as if responding to her promise.The king and queen turned in astonishment to see the humble cottage undergoing a complete transformation—the walls grew stronger, the roof shone with a brilliant luster, and the space expanded into a spacious and bright palace in an instant.
Servants bustled about in the new palace, tables were laden with sumptuous dishes, and the aroma filled the air, as if celebrating this long-awaited reunion. The king and queen exchanged smiles, their hearts filled with gratitude and hope. They knew that this land would become the new beginning for their family, carrying both the pain of the past and the beauty of the future.
The little count stood nearby, his heart also filled with emotion. He understood that it was this journey that had allowed him to witness the complexity and beauty of humanity and taught him to cherish every moment. He knew that his future life would be even more colorful, and that he would find his place in new stories. 🌟
The truth behind the story
In this fantastical story, the surface-level fairy-tale elements hide deeper explorations of humanity and social commentary. First, the old woman is not merely a witch or sorceress; she symbolizes wisdom and strength, representing those who quietly contribute to society from the margins.Her existence reveals people’s prejudices and misunderstandings towards different groups, especially when faced with the elderly or those with special abilities, who are often seen as a threat rather than a source of protection. Through the experiences of the young count, the story shows the kindness and compassion in human nature, as well as perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.
Secondly, the princess’s fate reflects the complexity and emotional entanglements of family relationships.The king and queen’s regret and self-blame reveal the mistakes parents may make in educating and caring for their children. The story emphasizes the importance of communication, especially between parents and children, as a lack of understanding and support can lead to irreversible consequences. The princess’s tears turn into pearls, symbolizing the pain and resilience she endures in adversity, while also hinting at the value and importance of emotions.
Finally, the intertwining of natural and magical elements in the story conveys the idea of harmony between humans and nature. The old woman’s flock of geese are not only her companions in life, but also her connection to nature, symbolizing the continuity of life and hope. Through these deeper meanings, the story is not just a simple fairy tale, but a profound reflection on humanity, family, and society. 🌿
Lessons learned from the story
This story is not just a fantastical adventure; it contains many profound truths that are worth pondering.
1. Don’t judge a book by its cover
The old woman was seen by the villagers as a terrifying witch, but in reality, she was a wise and kind being. She took in the abandoned princess and gave her shelter and guidance. This teaches us that we should not judge a person by their appearance or rumors. True goodness often lies hidden beneath an ordinary or even frightening exterior.
2. Compassion and responsibility
The young count initially helped the old woman out of sympathy, but in the process, he learned to take responsibility. Even though he bore a heavy burden, he did not give up easily. This reminds us that helping others is not only a good deed, but also an opportunity for growth. When we are willing to take on difficulties, we often reap unexpected rewards.
3. The importance of family relationships
The king and queen, in a moment of anger, banished their beloved daughter from home, only to realize their mistake years later. This shows that communication and understanding among family members are crucial. A moment of emotional impulse can lead to lifelong regret, while sincere apologies and efforts to make amends are never too late.
4. Perseverance and Resilience
The young count encountered many difficulties on his journey, but he persevered and ultimately achieved a happy ending. This tells us that setbacks are inevitable in life, but as long as we don’t give up easily, there will always be a silver lining.
5. True wealth lies in emotions and love
In the story, the princess’s tears turned into pearls, symbolizing the preciousness of emotions. The king eventually realized that family love is more important than power and wealth. This also reminds us that money and status cannot replace the warmth of family, and true happiness comes from mutual understanding and companionship.
These lessons are not only applicable to fairy tales but can also guide us in making better choices in real life.
